Cole Hamels was lights out in leading the Phils to a huge win in Game 1 of their NLDS series against the Milwaukee Brewers Wednesday at Citizens Bank Park.

But he did not throw the most important pitch.

That honor went to Richard Bowes.

Don’t recognize the name? Try it this way: Officer Richard Bowes. He’s the Philadelphia policeman who was wounded last week by the same gunman who shot and killed Highway Patrolman Patrick McDonald.

Officer Bowes was joined by his son in throwing out the ceremonial first pitch before Wednesday’s playoff game.

A lifelong Phillies fan, Bowes took time to thank the fans, who offered him a standing ovation, for their thoughts and prayers. But he stressed that “the real hero in this is Pat McDonald and I want every one to continue to pray for Pat.”

Actually we’re the ones who should be thanking him. And all of the men and women in blue who put their lives on the line every day.

Maybe Bowes brought the Phils some luck. The truth is a baseball game suddenly doesn’t seem so important when we think about McDonald, Bowes and what they do every day.

Thanks for reminding us, officer.